Abstract

This paper examines the impact the recently implemented risk-based standards have had on both bank capital and portfolio risk. To date, little if any attention has focused on how the risk-based capital standards have impacted bank risk and capital levels.

Building on previous research, this paper uses a three-stage least squares (3SLS) model to analyze the relationship between bank capital, portfolio risk, and the risk-based capital standards. The results suggest that the risk-based capital standards had a significant impact on capital and risk levels in well-capitalized banks, but little impact on undercapitalized banks.

Disclaimer

As with all OCC Working Papers, the opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Department of the Treasury.

Any whole or partial reproduction of material in this paper should include the following citation: Jacques, Kevin, and Peter Nigro, "Risk-Based Capital, Portfolio Risk, and Bank Capital: A Simultaneous Equations Approach," Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, E&PA Working Paper 94-6, September 1994.

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